Fansided

Top 25 NFL wide receivers of the 21st century

By Jarrett Bailey

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 19: Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals stands on the side of the field during their game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on November 19, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 19: Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals stands on the side of the field during their game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on November 19, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – NOVEMBER 30: Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during a game against the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium on November 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Redskins 38-14. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – NOVEMBER 30: Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during a game against the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium on November 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Redskins 38-14. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

23. Dez Bryant

Bryant was the unquestioned No. 1 receiver in the Cowboys offense for the vast majority of the 2010s. From 2012-14, he was one of the best receivers in the NFL. He notched over 1,300 yards receiving in 2012 on 92 catches along with 12 touchdowns, yet he was a surprising snub from the Pro Bowl.

Bryant did, however, make the Pro Bowl in 2013. He totaled 93 catches for just over 1,200 yards and 13 touchdowns on the year. His best season came in 2014. Bryant led the league with 16 touchdown receptions on 88 catches. He earned his first career All-Pro selection that season.

Bryant’s tenure with the Cowboys ended after the 2017 season. He signed with New Orleans in the middle of the season, but tore his achilles, which caused him to miss the remainder of 2018 and all of 2019. He signed with Baltimore in 2020, catching his first touchdown pass in nearly three years that season.

Bryant is one of the best receivers in Cowboys history. Any receiver who wears 88 for Dallas is usually pretty special, and Dez was no exception. Time will tell if we have seen the “X” thrown up for the last time.

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